Car tabs, short for license plate tabs, are the small stickers you place on your vehicle's license plate to prove your registration is current for that year. They are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency after you pay your annual vehicle registration renewal fees. These fees are a form of tax that helps fund public road maintenance, infrastructure projects, and state transportation programs. The tabs display the month and year of registration expiration, allowing law enforcement to quickly verify that a vehicle is legally registered.
The cost of car tabs varies significantly by state and is often based on factors like your vehicle's age, weight, and sometimes its market value. For example, states like Montana, which has no sales tax, might have higher registration fees, while others have flat rates. The process typically involves receiving a renewal notice in the mail, paying the fee online, by mail, or in person, and then affixing the new tab to your license plate. Failure to display current tabs can result in tickets and fines.
| State | Typical Annual Registration Fee (Example for a 5-year-old sedan) | Key Fee Factors | Renewal Method |
|---|
| California | $300 - $500+ | Vehicle value, weight, and county fees | Online, Mail, In-Person |
| Texas | $50 - $100 | Vehicle weight | Online, In-Person |
| Michigan | $120 - $150 | Vehicle list price (depreciates) | Online, Self-Service Station |
| Washington | $150 - $200+ | Vehicle weight, RTA excise tax (if applicable) | Online, Mail |
| Florida | $35 - $100 | Flat fee + initial weight-based fee | Online, In-Person |
It's crucial to keep your tabs up to date. An expired tab is one of the most common reasons for a traffic stop. Most states offer online renewal, which is the fastest way to get a new tab and avoid penalties. Always ensure the tab is correctly placed on the correct corner of your license plate as specified by your state to avoid any confusion.
